Leaders wait on Holyrood changes

Perth and Kinross Council are not to progress plans for a tourist tax in the region imminently, with potential changes to legislation likely to give councils greater freedom to tailor schemes.

The news comes after consultation responses reflected what you, the readers, told Perthshire Business News.

Wrangling over how councils should administer and design local levy schemes has led to the Scottish Parliament looking again at how tourist taxes could be introduced, with the original Bill which paved the way for the introduction of levies potentially being amended, as PBN reported.

Instead of pursuing a Perthshire levy at this stage, it has been advised that councillors wait to see the results of this exercise at Holyrood before deciding next steps.

Given this, it is unlikely that any scheme- if it does come forward- would be operational until 2028/29.

Possible changes to schemes

Criticism in some council areas has led to Scottish Ministers considering giving local authorities the power to charge fixed rates instead of percentage-based levies; something our SURVEY showed strong approval for (62% of respondents in favour).

You, the readers, told us your fears that a poorly designed scheme could be detrimental to Perthshire, which relies heavily on tourism.

It is now apparent that our SURVEY, which can be read here, echoed the concerns across the whole region, including Perth centre.

Strains in tourism

A council report said: “Participants described a tourism sector under strain from multiple regulatory, cost and staffing pressures.”

It continued that most respondents felt it could weaken ‘business viability’ further.

Sixty Five percent of our Survey respondents opposed a levy with opposition amongst businesses virtually unanimous. No fewer than 93% of accommodation providers, who would collect the tax, were against it.

NB: Please take the time to complete our current 5 minute online survey, which asks what Perthshire businesses need from this month’s BUDGET.

The survey deadline is SUNDAY!!!!

Take the Survey here